Texas Tech University‘s Division of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DDEI) has named Sierra Mello-Miles as the new director of Military & Veterans Programs.
“We chose Sierra for this role not just because of her experience, but also her knowledge of the issues experienced by our MVP participants that reflected her preparation to take on the leadership of this unit,” said Carol A. Sumner, Texas Tech chief diversity officer and vice president of DDEI. “We are beyond ecstatic she has joined the team as quickly as she has. She has jumped in with both feet, and we look forward to her leadership and participation in the work so very important to our community.”
Originally from Alaska, Mello-Miles joined the U.S. Army in 2001 and served in Operation Iraqi Freedom during 2003 and 2004. She earned her Bachelor of Science in business management in 2008 and Master of Business Administration in 2010, both from the University of Phoenix. From 2006-2008, she worked within the university’s military department.
Mello-Miles joins Texas Tech after more than three years as a veteran’s service representative at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Milwaukee.
“Texas Tech has a long-standing reputation as a military-friendly school, and I’m honored to be here,” Mello-Miles said. “This position of MVP director perfectly marries my two passions of higher education and serving military-affiliated members and their family members.”
In her new role, she said she hopes to increase engagement and connections within the Military & Veterans Programs at the institution.
“I want students to know what programs we offer and exactly how to reach us to get help with challenges they’re facing,” Mello-Miles said. “This includes not only challenges utilizing their education benefits, but also challenges specific to the transition from military life. We will be expanding our programs in the relentless pursuit to better serve our MVP students.”
